Applied Data Systems (ADS) is shipping a 3 x 5-inch SBC (single-board computer) available with Linux. The Bitsy G5 is based on a 532MHz Freescale i.MX31 processor, supports touchscreen displays, has a PCMCIA slot, and uses under a Watt of power, according to ADS.

The Bitsy G5 is the fifth-generation Bitsy product, according to ADS. The line of small SBCs began in 2000 with the Bitsy, based on a StrongARM SA-1110 processor, and subsequent devices have included the SA-1110-based Bitsy Plus, the Marvell PXA255-based Bitsy-X and the PXA270-based BitsyXb. The boards have found a home inside third-party devices, such as the Nightingale Personal Patient Monitor 2 from Zoe Medical, and solar-powered parking meters from 8D Technologies of Quebec.

The new G5 is based on a Freescale i.MX31, which integrates:

An ARM1136 processor core

Java accelerator

Vector floating point math coprocessor

Video processing engine that supports full-motion 30fps VGA video

Numerous other functions and interfaces

The Bitsy G5 supports up to 128MB of mobile DDR DRAM and up to 64MB of flash memory. Storage can be expanded via a PCMCIA Type II slot supporting both 3.3V and 5V cards. It also has a port that can be used to connect a CompactFlash card.

The SBC's extensive interfaces are provided via headers rather than standard PC-style connectors, facilitating the device's 3 x 5-inch size and 2.5-ounce weight. However, an optional “personality board” can provide connectors, if desired.

The Bitsy G5 includes USB host and device ports, three serial ports, an IrDA transceiver, plus SPI and I2C ports. The board includes a 16-bit AC '97 codec, with a 1W/channel stereo audio amplifier, and microphone input.

Via the personality board, as depicted in ADS' block diagram for the Bitsy G5 (above), it is possible to add an additional four serial ports and an Ethernet interface. Customers can also order a 5 x 4 inch keypad, nine digital I/Os, or five analog inputs and four digital I/Os, the company says.

In addition to using under a Watt of power in normal operation, the Bitsy G5 uses “partitioned power management” that can put the device into a variety of low-power states, according to ADS. Its personality board provides a battery charger and can hold an optional battery.

Features and specifications provided by ADS for the Bitsy G5 include

Processor — 532MHz Freescale i.MX31

Memory — up to 128MB of Mobile DDR DRAM, 64MB NOR flash

Graphics:

Built-in LCD controller

Up to 1024 x 768 pixels (XGA)

Resistive touchscreen controller

Audio:

16-bit AC '97 stereo codec

Stereo audio amplifier, 1W per channel

Stereo speaker output; stereo mike input

Other I/O:

1 x USB host, 1 x USB device

3 serial ports (RS232 8-wire, 4-wire, and logic level 2-wire)

IrDA transceiver

PS/2 keyboard port

SPI port

I2C port

Expansion:

PCMCIA Type II slot (on SBC)

CompactFlash (via header)

Power requirements — 6-15 VDC, less than 1 watt in operation

Dimensions — 3 x 5 inches

Weight — 2.5 ounces

Availability

In addition to being offered with Linux, the Bitsy G5 also supports Windows CE 6.0. The Bitsy G5 is available now, though pricing was not listed by the company.